A campaigner for women's rights in Tonga says despite more women standing for Parliament in next month's election she is sceptical of their chances of success.
16 women, the highest number to date, will contest the November the 27th poll.
But the Women's and Children's Crisis Centre director, Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki, says they face a huge barrier, turning around public perceptions on the role of women in leadership.
She says positions of authority in Tonga continue to be dominated by men.
"So everyday life, this is what we are being told, this is how we are living and I am quite sceptical as to the outcome of the elections coming up but at the same time I am so proud of the women who have stood up and have the courage to take the challenge on."
